Richard B. Gaffin Jr., emeritus professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, is renowned for his work in biblical and systematic theology, emphasizing redemptive history and eschatology.
1.1. Biographical Overview of Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Richard B. Gaffin Jr. is an emeritus professor of biblical and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He earned his ThD from Westminster and served as a faculty member for over forty years before retiring in 2010. An ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Gaffin is celebrated for his contributions to Reformed theology, particularly his emphasis on redemptive history and eschatology.
1.2. His Influence on Biblical and Systematic Theology
Richard B. Gaffin Jr. has profoundly influenced biblical and systematic theology through his emphasis on redemptive history (historia salutis) and eschatology. His work bridges the gap between exegesis and theology, offering a nuanced understanding of Pauline theology and the Book of Acts. Gaffin’s scholarship, shaped by the legacy of Geerhardus Vos and Herman Ridderbos, has significantly impacted contemporary Reformed theology and evangelical thought.
The Structure and Content of “In the Fullness of Time”
“In the Fullness of Time” is an exegetical textbook exploring Acts and Pauline theology, offering a structured analysis of redemptive history, eschatology, and Christ’s resurrection.
2.1. Overview of the Book’s Main Themes
The book explores the redemptive-historical significance of Pentecost, eschatology, and the fulfillment of redemptive history in Christ’s death and resurrection. Gaffin connects these themes to provide a comprehensive understanding of Acts and Pauline theology, emphasizing their relevance for pastors, students, and lay leaders seeking a Reformed and evangelical perspective.
2.2. The Redemptive-Historical Significance of Pentecost
Gaffin highlights Pentecost as a pivotal moment in redemptive history, marking the inbreaking of the last days through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This event signifies the fulfillment of Christ’s redemptive work, launching the new age and the church’s mission. It underscores the eschatological dimension of Paul’s theology, bridging the already and not-yet aspects of God’s kingdom.
Key Themes and Concepts Explored in the Book
The book explores Christ’s death and resurrection as the fulfillment of redemptive history, eschatology, and the pivotal role of Pentecost in launching the new covenant era.
3.1. The Fulfillment of Redemptive History in Christ
Gaffin emphasizes Christ’s death and resurrection as the climax of redemptive history, fulfilling Old Testament promises and inaugurating the new covenant. This event is central to understanding the flow of biblical theology and its eschatological implications, as detailed in In the Fullness of Time.
3.2. Eschatology and Its Role in Pauline Theology
Gaffin highlights eschatology as a central theme in Pauline theology, arguing that Christ’s advent marked the inauguration of the last days. This perspective reshapes the understanding of redemptive history, emphasizing that the future age has already broken into the present through Christ’s resurrection, profoundly impacting how believers live in anticipation of final redemption.
The Theological Framework of the Book
Gaffin’s work builds on the legacy of Geerhardus Vos and Herman Ridderbos, emphasizing redemptive history (historia salutis) as the framework for understanding Christ’s accomplishment of redemption.
4.1. The Legacy of Geerhardus Vos and Herman Ridderbos
Gaffin’s theological framework is deeply influenced by Geerhardus Vos and Herman Ridderbos, whose work on redemptive history and biblical theology shaped his approach. Vos’s emphasis on the historical progression of redemption and Ridderbos’s focus on the relationship between history and eschatology are foundational to Gaffin’s analysis of Acts and Paul, providing a rich theological heritage for his exegesis.
4.2. The Concept of Historia Salutis
The concept of historia salutis (history of salvation) is central to Gaffin’s theology, emphasizing the unified, progressive revelation of God’s redemptive plan. Drawing from Vos and Ridderbos, Gaffin highlights how Christ’s death and resurrection fulfill redemptive history, integrating eschatology and soteriology. This framework underscores the coherence of Scripture, revealing God’s saving work as a singular, unfolding narrative from creation to consummation.
The Audience and Purpose of the Book
In the Fullness of Time serves pastors, students, and lay leaders, offering a Reformed evangelical perspective to explore Acts and Paul’s theology deeply.
5.1. Target Audience: Pastors, Students, and Lay Leaders
Gaffin’s work is tailored for pastors seeking sermon material, students exploring theological depths, and lay leaders desiring a deeper biblical understanding. It offers accessible insights into Acts and Paul’s theology, making it valuable for both academic and ecclesiastical audiences.
5;2. Providing a Reformed and Evangelical Perspective
Gaffin’s work is deeply rooted in Reformed theology, offering a framework that aligns with evangelical principles. It emphasizes the authority of Scripture, the centrality of Christ, and the importance of redemptive history, providing a cohesive and biblically grounded perspective for understanding Acts and Paul’s teachings.
The Reception and Impact of “In the Fullness of Time”
The book has been widely praised for its theological depth and accessibility, receiving endorsements from scholars and pastors alike, solidifying its influence in contemporary biblical studies.
6.1. Endorsements and Reviews from Theological Scholars
Scholars and theologians, including Sinclair Ferguson, have praised Richard B. Gaffin Jr.’s work, with Ferguson coining the term “gaffinized” to describe its profound impact. The book has been hailed as a monumental achievement in biblical theology, providing a deeper understanding of Acts and Paul. Its clarity and theological depth have made it a valuable resource for both academics and lay readers.
6.2. The Book’s Contribution to Contemporary Theology
Roger B. Gaffin Jr.’s “In the Fullness of Time” offers a fresh, exegetically grounded perspective on Acts and Paul, emphasizing redemptive history and eschatology. By building on the legacy of Geerhardus Vos and Herman Ridderbos, Gaffin provides a framework that enriches contemporary theological discourse, making complex themes accessible to a broad audience while maintaining scholarly depth and relevance.
Richard B. Gaffin Jr.’s Broader Scholarly Legacy
Roger B. Gaffin Jr. is a distinguished theologian known for his contributions to redemptive history and systematic theology, significantly influencing Westminster Theological Seminary and shaping future scholars.
7.1. His Role at Westminster Theological Seminary
Richard B. Gaffin Jr. served as a professor of biblical and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary for over 40 years, retiring in 2010. His teaching emphasized redemptive history, deeply shaping the theological framework of students. As an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, his legacy continues to influence both the seminary and the broader Reformed community.
7.2. The Development of Redemptive History as a Theological Framework
Gaffin’s work built on the legacy of Geerhardus Vos and Herman Ridderbos, advancing the concept of redemptive history (historia salutis). He emphasized the unity of Scripture, tracing redemption’s progression from creation to Christ’s resurrection. This framework bridges biblical theology and systematic thought, providing a cohesive understanding of God’s redemptive plan, deeply influencing contemporary theological studies and scholarship.
The Historical and Biblical Context of the Book
Richard B. Gaffin Jr.’s “In the Fullness of Time” explores the historical and biblical context of Acts and Paul’s epistles, focusing on the redemptive-historical significance of Pentecost, eschatology, and the fulfillment of redemption in Christ’s death and resurrection, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding New Testament theology.
8.1. The Book of Acts and Its Theological Significance
The Book of Acts is pivotal in linking Christ’s life to the early church, emphasizing Pentecost’s role in fulfilling redemptive history. Gaffin highlights how Acts bridges the Gospels and Paul’s epistles, showcasing the Spirit’s outpouring as a climactic eschatological event. This text underscores the church’s mission and unity, providing a theological framework that connects redemptive history to contemporary Christian living, central to Gaffin’s analysis.
8.2. Pauline Theology in the Context of Redemptive History
Pauline theology, as explored by Gaffin, is deeply rooted in redemptive history, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament promises in Christ. Gaffin highlights how Paul’s teachings on justification, sanctification, and the church as the body of Christ are intertwined with eschatological themes. The resurrection of Christ, as the climax of redemptive history, shapes Paul’s understanding of the believer’s union with Christ and the cosmic implications of salvation.
Practical Applications of the Book’s Teachings
Gaffin’s work equips pastors and teachers to preach Christ-centered sermons, emphasizing the relevance of redemptive history for modern ministry and empowering believers to live out biblical theology.
9.1. Implications for Preaching and Teaching
Gaffin’s work provides a theological framework that enriches preaching and teaching by emphasizing redemptive history and eschatology. His insights into Acts and Paul’s theology help create Christ-centered sermons, bridging biblical theology with practical application. Pastors and teachers gain tools to articulate the fulfillment of redemptive history in Christ, making complex doctrines accessible to congregations and fostering a deeper understanding of Scripture.
9.2. Enhancing Lay Understanding of Biblical Theology
Gaffin’s accessible approach in “In the Fullness of Time” equips laypeople with a clear grasp of biblical theology. By connecting Acts and Paul’s teachings to redemptive history, the book simplifies complex concepts, helping believers appreciate the unity of Scripture and their role within God’s redemptive plan, fostering a deeper personal faith and communal understanding of God’s Word.
The Enduring Legacy of “In the Fullness of Time”
Gaffin’s work remains influential, shaping theological studies with its insights on redemptive history and eschatology, ensuring its relevance in modern Christian scholarship and education.
10.1. Its Role in Shaping Future Theological Studies
Gaffin’s “In the Fullness of Time” provides a foundational framework for understanding Acts and Pauline theology, influencing future theological education and scholarship. Its emphasis on redemptive history and eschatology offers a comprehensive approach, equipping pastors, students, and scholars with a Reformed perspective. The book’s accessible yet profound insights ensure its relevance in shaping biblical theology studies for years to come.
10.2. The Book’s Relevance in Modern Christian Scholarship
Gaffin’s “In the Fullness of Time” remains a vital resource in contemporary Christian scholarship, offering fresh insights into Acts and Pauline theology. Its focus on redemptive history and eschatology addresses current theological discussions, making it a valuable tool for pastors, students, and scholars seeking to deepen their understanding of biblical theology within a Reformed framework.
Availability and Accessibility of the Book
“In the Fullness of Time” is available in various formats, including hardcover, paperback, PDF, and ePub, making it accessible to readers worldwide through online retailers and downloads.
11.1. Formats and Editions (Hardcover, Paperback, PDF, etc.)
“In the Fullness of Time” is available in multiple formats, including hardcover, paperback, PDF, ePub, and Mobipocket. The PDF edition has an ISBN of 978-1-4335-6335-5, while the Mobipocket version is 978-1-4335-6336-2, ensuring accessibility across various reading platforms and preferences.
11.2. Where to Purchase or Download the Book
The book can be purchased in various formats from major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Google Books. Additionally, it is available as an eBook on platforms like Crossway’s official website. PDF versions can be downloaded directly from select sites, making it easily accessible to readers worldwide.